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FORMER MCA Vice President Ti Lian Ker has criticised a state directive banning Christmas decorations in halal-certified premises, describing the move as an administrative overreach rather than a religious necessity.
In a statement, Ti said the directive reflected insecurity and unfair policymaking, arguing that it had no basis in Islamic law governing halal certification.
“Halal certification is determined by food sources and methods of preparation, not by decorative items,” Ti said citing a comment from Umno’s Dr Akmal Salleh.
He added that Christmas decorations have been displayed in commercial premises for decades, including during the period before and after Malaysia’s independence, without raising concerns over halal compliance.
Ti also questioned the broader implications of the directive, noting that Islam has long been presented as a religion grounded in fairness, peace, and non-coercion.
“If these principles remain central, it is difficult to justify the policing of tinsel and Christmas ornaments,” he said.
He further expressed concern that such measures could undermine efforts to present Islam in a positive and inclusive light, asking whether core Islamic values had been overlooked by those entrusted with religious authority.
The directive has sparked public debate, with critics arguing that it risks straining interfaith relations, while supporters maintain it is intended to protect the integrity of halal certification.
Dr Akmal who is Umno youth chief has called on Jaim to reconsider the directive.
The Merlimau assemblyman said halal status for food and beverages is “100 per cent based on the source of the ingredients and the method of preparation, not on the decoration in the kitchen or at the dining outlet.”
Ayer Keroh assemblyman Kerk Chee Yee also questioned the state government on whether the circular, purportedly issued by Jaim, forbids such decorations because Christmas is a religious celebration.
Melaka Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Exco, Datuk Rahmad Mariman said the ban aims to protect the sensitivity of all parties and preserve the integrity of the certificate.
He explained that all premises or products that are certified halal are subject to the Malaysian Halal Certification Procedure Manual (Domestic) 2020 set by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).
According to him, the ruling includes a ban on displaying any religious decorations, services or advertising in the kitchens and main areas of restaurants or premises that have obtained halal certification.
“To protect the sensitivity of the multi-racial and religious community, any display of decorations or symbols related to religious festivals is not allowed in the kitchens and main areas of halal-certified restaurants.
"This is to ensure clarity on halal status and avoid confusion among consumers," he said in a statement on Friday.
Earlier, a circular issued by the Malacca Islamic Religious Department (Jaim) regarding the notification of Christmas decorations at hotels and halal-certified food premises in Melaka went viral.
Through the circular, the Melaka Halal Certification Panel Meeting which convened on October 31 unanimously agreed that decorations for the festival are not allowed in the kitchens or outlets of halal-certified hotels because it is a religious and not a cultural celebration.
However, the same circular explained that there is no obstacle for hotel management to make decorations in hotel areas that are not halal certified. – December 20, 2025